The Parlour Inn is a hotel conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Stratford, Ontario, Canada and is within walking distance of the Stratford Festival theatres. Our Stratford Festival hotel accommodations enable our guests to make the most out of their theatre getaway. Relax as you grab a bite to eat at our in-hotel restaurant, The Parlour Inn Restaurant, and unwind with our extensive wine selection from some of Ontario’s best wineries. Then take in Stratford’s infamous gardens during your strolls to the plays, musicals and productions of the Stratford Festival. The Parlour Inn is the best spot for you to create the perfect date night or evening out with friends when you’re visiting Stratford, Ontario…where the swans are plenty and the culture is always lively.
The Stratford Festival allows theatre-lovers from across Ontario to indulge in exceptional theatre performances and world-renowned plays and productions. Always an exceptional event, this year’s playbill promises to be an absolute favourite for this year's festival attendees. From classical Shakespearean dramas to re-energized contemporary pieces and musical productions, long-time fans of the theatre, as well as new visitors will fall in love with the acting, music, costumes, stage designs and productions that this infamous Ontario theatre festival has to offer.
The Stratford Festival runs annually from April through to November. During this time, theatre companies will put on over a dozen impeccable works between the four Stratford theatres, including:
The Parlour Inn is located just steps from each of the theatres, so our guests never have to worry about struggling to find parking prior to their show, making The Parlour Inn the ideal Stratford Festival hotel. Each production that runs during the Stratford Festival is uniquely wonderful which is why we recommend that you include more than one play during your Stratford Festival getaway to make the most of your experience.
Choose The Parlour Inn for your Stratford Festival accommodations – just 10-minute walk from the Stratford theatres. Enjoy a getaway that includes a world-class theatre experience, an exceptional restaurant and noteworthy service. Make it a theatre-filled weekend or return time and time again to relive your fun-filled experience in Stratford, Ontario and the new plays and productions. Our friendly and informative staff members will always be happy to welcome you and your loved ones back to The Parlour’s upscale hotel rooms and restaurant.
The Stratford Festival's 2024 season, consisting of 12 productions and over 150 events at the Meighen Forum, will explore the concept of "A World Elsewhere," according to Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino. "What unites the plays for next season is a journey away from the known," says Cimolino, "a journey away from the comfortable towards something that – while it's an immense challenge – often brings us to a much better place."
The upcoming season will feature a variety of plays, including works by Shakespeare such as Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and Cymbeline, as well as other notable productions like London Assurance by Dion Boucicault, Hedda Gabler by Ibsen, Wendy and Peter Pan by Ella Hickson, and The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee.
Get ready for a double dose of musical magic! The Festival Theatre will have you in stitches with the side-splitting comedy "Something Rotten!" while the Avon Theatre brings you the sensational and Tony Award-winning "La Cage aux Folles." Don't miss out on these extraordinary shows with their incredible book, music, and lyrics by talented artists like Karey Kirkpatrick, John O'Farrell, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Harvey Fierstein, and Jerry Herman. It's a musical extravaganza you won't want to miss!
The upcoming season will include three world premières: Salesman in China by Leanna Brodie and Jovanni Sy, a new adaptation of Margaret Laurence's classic The Diviners by Vern Thiessen with Yvette Nolan, and Get That Hope by Andrea Scott. "As I put together this new season, I looked for works that speak to departing from the past, stories about people who strike out in new directions," says Cimolino. "I feel we are at a moment in society when we are genuinely ready to leave behind much of what was. In order to make that journey successfully, we need inspiration, joy and delight along the way. I hope these plays will lift our hearts, make us laugh, and maybe show us that some risks are worth taking. And at the Stratford Festival perhaps the world elsewhere will be Peter Pan's Neverland, Illyria of Twelfth Night or the nightclub of La Cage aux Folles." Tickets for the 2024 season will be available for purchase in December, with a special early sale for Members of the Stratford Festival in November. The events of the Meighen Forum will be announced in the upcoming months. The season will take place from mid-April to October. "I'm immensely proud of the directors and creative teams that have come together to bring these plays to vibrant life," says Cimolino. "With their talent and inspired work there will be a world elsewhere right here in Stratford – and it will be beautiful."
Viola's twin brother is lost at sea, leaving her alone in a foreign land. In order to survive and support herself, she disguises herself as a young man named Cesario and finds employment with Count Orsino. Count Orsino is infatuated with Olivia, who is grieving the loss of her own brother. Count Orsino believes that Cesario can help him win Olivia's affection. This romantic tale is filled with misunderstandings and surprising love connections. Seana McKenna, making her directorial debut at Stratford, has an extensive career playing Shakespeare's leading ladies. At Stratford, she has performed nearly 60 leading roles, including Rose Ouimet in this season's Les Belles-Soeurs. McKenna has taught in Canada and the U.S., at institutions such as the National Theatre School and the Birmingham Conservatory. She has also directed for various theater companies and received awards for her acting and directing work in both theater and film.
Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, aspiring playwrights overshadowed by the legendary William Shakespeare, embark on a daring journey to create a groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece. With the help of a mystical soothsayer's prophecy, they venture into uncharted territory to revolutionize the stage with a mesmerizing fusion of music and drama. But little do they know, the Bard himself is eager to join this theatrical revolution. Brace yourself for a sensational experience filled with unforgettable tunes like "God, I Hate Shakespeare," "Will Power," and "Hard to Be the Bard." Prepare to be enthralled by the Tony Award-winning sensation, Something Rotten! - a remarkable production tailor-made for the illustrious Stratford stage, captivating audiences of all backgrounds, whether they're Shakespeare aficionados or newcomers to theatre. Director-Choreographer Donna Feore will be leading this production in the festival for her 28th season. She has a successful track record with hits such as Chicago in 2022, Billy Elliot the Musical in 2019, Little Shop of Horrors and The Music Man in 2018, and The Rocky Horror Show. She has also been involved in the development of new musicals Mythic and The Griswolds' Broadway Vacation, as well as Summer Stock, where she premiered the world premiere this summer.
The passionate love between Romeo and Juliet is hindered by a long-standing feud, but their intense feelings cannot be suppressed. Juliet's father, driven by hatred, makes a fatal choice that causes the lovers to rebel in a way that will ultimately result in the downfall of both families. The production will be directed by Sam White, who previously directed "Wedding Band" by Alice Childress in 2023. White is the founding Artistic and Executive Director of Shakespeare in Detroit and has directed productions such as "The Tempest" and "Othello." She has also directed "A Midsummer Night's Dream" for The Old Globe and served as assistant director for the festival's 2018 production of "The Tempest" with Martha Henry in the leading role.
This delightful comedy follows Sir Harcourt as he goes to Oak Hall to marry 18-year-old Grace, his old friend Max's niece. Little does he know, his son Charles is actually a wild partygoer. Meanwhile, Charles disguises himself to follow his father and win over Grace. Laughter erupts as Sir Harcourt flirts with the married Lady Gay Spanker, who helps Charles in his pursuit of Grace. The production will be directed by Antoni Cimolino, who has directed several period comedies including "The Miser" in 2022, "The School for Scandal" in 2017, "The Hypochondriac" in 2016, "The Alchemist" in 2015, and "The Beaux' Strategem" in 2014.
Jean-Michel and Anne are deeply in love and ready to say, "I do." But there's a twist! Anne's dad is a stuffy politician, while Jean-Michel was raised by two extraordinary fathers - one owns a happening nightclub, and the other is a fabulous drag performer. Before their big day, these two couples have to meet. Brace yourself for a side-splitting and heartwarming spectacle as this encounter unfolds. It's a sensational Tony Award-winning sensation that even made it to the silver screen, starring the incomparable Nathan Lane and Robin Williams. Don't miss out on La Cage aux Folles - it's an absolute must-see! The production will be directed by Thom Allison, who has previously directed hit productions such as Rent and You Can't Stop the Beat. Next season will be Allison's eighth with the festival. His directing credits also include Seussical and Mary Poppins, as well as Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Calgary. The choreographer for the production will be Cameron Carver, who has previously choreographed this season's Richard II and has received Dora Awards for Outstanding Original Choreography for Sweeney Todd (2022) at Talk is Free Theatre and Alice in Wonderland (2023) at Soulpepper, produced by Bad Hats Theatre.
Get ready to experience J.M. Barrie's timeless tale like never before! This imaginative re-telling takes you on a thrilling journey through Neverland, seen through the eyes of Wendy. Prepare to be captivated as the Stratford Festival presents the North American première of this extraordinary production, commissioned by the esteemed Royal Shakespeare Company and hailed by critics as a must-see! The production will be directed by Thomas Morgan Jones, who directed this year's Schulich Children's Play, "A Wrinkle in Time". Jones is the Artistic Director of Prairie Theatre Exchange and has also directed Darla Contois's "The War Being Waged" and Hannah Moscovitch's "Post-Democracy". The choreographer for the performance is Jera Wolfe, a performer and choreographer of Métis heritage who has recently worked on productions such as Bare for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Arise for the National Ballet, and Trace by Red Sky Performance, for which he received the Dora Award for Outstanding Original Choreography in 2019.
Cymbeline
Imogen, the daughter of the monarch Cymbeline, defies her parents' wishes and marries, which leads to various challenges. Tricked by the deceitful Lachimo into believing she is unfaithful; Imogen embarks on a journey to clear her name. In the process, she undergoes personal growth and forms new relationships, ultimately playing a crucial role in preventing a war-torn world from falling apart. The production will be directed by Esther Jun, who serves as the head of the Festival's Langham Directors' Workshop. She has experience directing various productions, such as Les Belles-Soeurs, Little Women, and I Am William. Furthermore, she held the position of Assistant Artistic Director at Tarragon Theatre from 2016 to 2018.
Henrik Ibsen's play, Hedda Gabler, depicts the story of a recently married woman named Hedda, who becomes dissatisfied with her husband and encounters an old friend in the same profession. This encounter triggers her jealousy and ultimately ends in tragedy. Ibsen, widely recognized as the father of modern drama, skillfully presents a complex psychological portrayal of Hedda, a woman who feels disconnected from her surroundings. The production will be directed by Molly Atkinson, who has a strong background in directing at the Shaw Festival, including this season's Prince Caspian, A Christmas Carol, The Tortoise and the Hare, Middletown, and Saint Joan. She also has experience as a member of the Stratford Festival acting company in 2000 and the Birmingham Conservatory.
Margaret Laurence's novel, "The Diviners," is highly regarded in Canadian literature. It follows the journey of Morag Gunn, a resilient woman who overcomes various obstacles to find her true self. The novel has been adapted by a talented team of Canadian theater creators and offers insights on reconciling with the injustices of our colonial history and working towards collective harmony. The play is written by Vern Thiessen and Yvette Nolan. Vern Thiessen, a celebrated playwright in Canada and internationally, is one of the most produced playwrights in the country. He previously brought us the captivating production of Shakespeare's Will in 2007 and 2011. Yvette Nolan, the director of this season's incredibly popular Women of the Fur Trade, has been instrumental in creating and showcasing Indigenous work as a director, playwright, dramaturg, and educator. The production will be directed by Krista Jackson and Geneviève Pelletier. Jackson is the Artistic and Executive Director of Imago Theatre. Her recent credits include directing Iago Speaks at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and Awaken, a co-production between Shakespeare in the Ruins and zone41. She also directed A Doll's House: Part 2, co-produced by Mirvish Productions and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Dancing at Lughnasa at the Shaw Festival. In addition, she was the associate director of 2016's All My Sons at the Festival. Pelletier is an actor and theatre director from Winnipeg. She has been the artistic and general director of Théâtre Cercle Molière since 2012. She is interested in the fusion of cultures, the potential that arises from these interactions, and creating inclusive environments to stimulate transformative discussions.
The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?
Martin is celebrating his 50th birthday and is highly successful. He recently won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, being the youngest architect to do so. He has a wonderful marriage and a loving son. However, he is struggling with memory loss. When questioned by his best friend, Martin reveals a shocking confession that will shatter his life. This drama, written by Edward Albee in 2000, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2002. The production will be directed by Dean Gabourie, who is returning for his 11th season. He has directed five productions for the festival, including The Best Brothers (2012), The Merry Wives of Windsor (2011), and the 2010 production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which features the song "Who is Silvia?" that served as inspiration to the playwright.
Daddy dreams of winning the lottery. Mommy holds onto her bitterness. Simeon suffers from war-related PTSD. Rachel yearns for her own home. It's Jamaica's Independence Day, scorching hot and tensions are high. And then, a city-wide power outage strikes. This gripping new play, created by the brilliant Andrea Scott, takes inspiration from Eugene O'Neill's timeless masterpiece. Prepare to witness the dysfunction of a Jamaican Canadian family, where communication is a minefield. But remember, amidst the chaos, hope can emerge from even the darkest suffering. Scott, a talented individual, joined the festival as a producing intern in 2018. Her extraordinary play, "Controlled Damage," graced the stage at Neptune Theatre in 2020, followed by the awe-inspiring masterpiece, "Every Day She Rose," at Buddies in Bad Times in 2019. André Sills, a member of the acting company for nine seasons, is making his directorial debut in Stratford with this production. He has played key roles such as Edgar in King Lear and Don Pedro in Much Ado About Nothing. Sills has also had notable roles in Robert Lepage's production of Coriolanus and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' An Octoroon at the Shaw Festival. In 2022, Sills directed Gloria by Jacobs-Jenkins at Toronto's Crow's Theatre and received a Dora Award nomination for Outstanding Direction.